13: Iris
For the next few weeks, I tried to stick in myself. Avoiding as many Lycans as I could possibly manage. The environment was hostile, to say the least Anytime I walk by. I would hear servants and nobles murmuring and knowing what they thought about my kind. I was sure that it was nothing pleasant
The uses that I did come not, I kept my head down and tried to be as unassuming as possible. But that too was difficult, when I was the only dwarf in a horde of giants. Inne would come once in a while to check up on me, but I tried not to relate too mich with her, I could not let my stigma in the Alpha’s castle run off on her.
Cassian was rarely around during those times. But each time he was around he would be aloof and preferred to tease me a bit before he disappeared agan. I had been tempted for so long to ask lone how Cassian had got so badly injured, but I wanted to stay in my place, like my mother–in–law had told me. I preferred to avoid her wrath altogether. The memory of my slamming against the door still resounded in my memory.
After yet another horrible dinner. I was more than happy to retire to rise monum. As I lay down to sleep, I felt something odd beneath. I sat back up to ⠀⠀ Inspect only to see a piece of paper. Seemingly a letter. I picked it up and unfolded it. I gasped when that scent of blood hit me. The parchment was will even a bit moist. I dropped the letter, my heart thumping wildly.
But I froze when I noticed something strange. I had noticed my brother’s name on the letter. My heart rate picked up to an impossible speed as I reached down to pick it up,
very single sentence.
The words were written in blood. Each word leli me breathless and lightheaded. But I read through every
My dear traitor, it would seem that you love forgotten the surest fact about your miserable existence. You cannot escape me. I am your beginning and your end. I am both your destiny and your fate. That bastard of a Lycan might have put his ring on your worthless finger. It does not change the fact that you are mine.
Now that I have reminded you of what you have so carelessly forgotten, I will give you the good news. The fever curse is back, and your useless blood has decided to change the course of my plan. So you must return. I don’t know how you intend to do it, but I must ensure that you make yourself available in the next three moons.
Might 1 also remind you that Ginora and Abel are my hostages and, with a single order, I will pronounce their face. I will ensure that their corpses reach your new home. You should know by now that you have absolutely no choice. And to make my warning as clear as day, I ensured that this very letter was written in their blood. If you do not submit to my demands, it is not only blood that they will lose, that much is sure.
So, ensure you do not awaken my wrath against them, or their death will be by your very hand
See you soon,
Your dearest Oppressor
As I read. I was filled with more and more horror. My lusees went weak as I struggled to process the chilling words before me. My mind raced with fear, grappling with the gravity of the situation. The threat to the only ones I had left weighed heavy on me, drowning me.
With trembling hands, I folded the letter and tucked it away, my thoughts consumed by the impossible choice looming ahead. How could I protect them! I had to submit to him and face the consequences of my betrayal. The pressure of the ultimatum pressed down on me, suffocating any semblance of hope. Because there was none. There was none at all.
I had to escape even if I died trying. There was absolutely no way. My mind began to run through every possible solution. Leaving the Alpha’s castle would be nearly impossible, but it would not be completely impossible. Else, how had one of Kavriel’s spies been able to infiltrate it without being detected? I would have to do the same. Because it was me that Kavriel wanted, he would get me as long as my family was spared.
I turned on my heels and made my way out of the room. I walked a bit before I found the chamber that I was looking for. I knocked, and the door was opened for me.
lone’s eyes widened when she realized it was me. “Iris.” She said. “What brings you.” She faced palmed herself. “Oh where are my manners, come
in, please.”
I accepted her invitation and slipped in, still slaken a bit.
‘Sit please.” She offered.
I sat on hier qulua, unable to hold myself upright for much longer. “Thanks for having me.” I stammered, my heart trying to escape my ribs.
“It’s absolutely fine… Her words died on her lips and she reached out to touch any checks. “You are crying,” her expression was pititui.
I touched my face only to find out that the was right. I was indeed crying. “It’s allergies,” I lied through a sniffle.
“Oh then I have just the thing…” She rose-
But in desperation, I clasped her hand. “I want to go with you… to the hunt. I clarified.
She blinked at me, then a smile made its way to her lips. “Of course, I would be happy to have you”
I pulled her into an embrace. To my surprise, she reciprocated the hole and even stroked my hair. “Thank you.” I whispered.
“Don’t mention it.” She whispered back. “You are my sister now.”
My heart shattered for her. I wish I didn’t have to use her this way. I was beginning to see her as a comfort in this dark, dreary castle, but my family was on the line.
